The history of the star: Kitalpha

from p.214 of
Star Names, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889.[A scanned copy can
be viewed on this
webpage]

Alpha (α) Equuleus,
Kitalpha, is a star in the constellation of the Foal.

The Arabic name for Kitalpha is Qit'at al-Faras
(1), or Al Kitah
al Faras, "Part of the horse". Kitel Phard, Kitalphar
are other names. Equuleus is the head of a horse with a flowing mane which the Arabs
called Al Faras al Awwal, "the First Horse". This horse is identified
with Celeris "the Swift Foal", the "Colt", son of
Pegasus, given by Mercury
to Castor.

On the Equuleus Page Allen [p.212,
Star Names] says that some of the mythologists said that Equuleus
represented Celeris, the brother of Pegasus, given by Mercury to
Castor (constellation
Gemini); or Cyllarus,
given to Pollux (constellation
Gemini) by Juno.

Cyllarus, the young centaur has the same name as Cyllarus
who was loved by the she-centaur Hylonome. These centaurs were very much in love,
and according to Ovid they were more civilized than the usual centaurs and made
efforts to groom and educate themselves. These centaurs could be compared with thoroughbred
horses; winners, distinguished.

There is also Cyllene (probably from
the same root as Cyllarus), an Arcadian nymph who gave her name to Mt Cyllene where
Hermes was born. She is said to have brought Hermes up during his infancy.

Uranus was conjunct this star on 9/11/2001.

Etymology

Some mythologists said that Equuleus
represented Celeris, the brother of
Pegasus. Celeris is related
to Latin celer "swift", from the Indo-European word kel-3"To drive", "set in swift motion".

Derivatives: hold, behold,
upholsterer, halt1, avast
(a command to stop or desist), celerity, acceleration,
accelerate, accelerant [a substance, such as a petroleum
distillate, that is used as a catalyst, as in spreading an intentionally set fire].
Possibly further suffixed form *keles-ri-, celebrate (as
in celebrating a winning horse), celebrity, from Latin celeber,
which originally meant 'attend in great numbers', 'to attend a festival', from Latin
celeber, celebris, celebre 'thronged, frequented, well-known".
[Pokorny 5. kel- 548]

The astrological influences of the constellation Equuleus

It gives friendship and sagacity (discernment, good judgment)
but frivolity and love of pleasure. [Robson*, p.44.]

The bright star Kitalpha has a spectral nature of Mercury
and Venus combined. Ancient astrologers asserted that those born under these stars
will be famous charioteers, teamsters or courier scouts. They may also be veterinarians
in keeping with the Mercurial nature of its major star. [Fixed
Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.22.]